PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres had always planned for top prospectManny Margot to open the regular season in the Minor Leagues. But his stint in big league camp this spring went about as well as possible.
With at-bats drying up for their youngsters, the Padres optioned Margot to Triple-A El Paso after Tuesday's game. The athletic 21-year-old center fielder -- acquired in the trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to Boston -- went 7-for-22 in Cactus League play with four extra-base hits.
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"We're very pleased with what he's done, very excited about his development, very excited for the future," said manager Andy Green. "It's not time for him yet. The time will come for him though, and I think we all see that now."

Green gave Margot one final start on Tuesday in a Padres lineup otherwise full of regulars, calling Margot's inclusion a "reward" for his work this spring.
Margot went 0-for-4 in an 11-1 Padres loss, but still showed off some impressive range, tracking down a couple of deep fly balls in the gaps.
It will be the first stint at Triple-A for Margot, who batted .271/.326/.419 after being called up to Double-A Portland midway through last season.
"He's come as advertised," Green said. "Manny is very impressive. His energy is infectious."